U.S. patent application number 13/580149 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-13 for branch pipe.
Invention is credited to Yuk Nam Choi.
Application Number | 20120312404 13/580149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44483483 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120312404 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Yuk Nam |
December 13, 2012 |
BRANCH PIPE
Abstract
The manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention is characterized in that at least branch pipe is formed
at a pipe passage having a flow hole through which fluid flows, and
an input valve is formed at an end portion of the pipe passage, and
a joint coupler forming an output valve at the other end portion is
prepared, and an output valve of a joint coupler of the other
places is joint-connected with a limited rotation angle at an input
valve of at least one joint coupler.
Inventors: |
Choi; Yuk Nam; (Bucheon-si,
KR) |
Family ID: |
44483483 |
Appl. No.: |
13/580149 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
February 18, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2011/001088 |
371 Date: |
August 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/883 ;
251/152 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 3/1075 20130101;
F16L 41/03 20130101; Y10T 137/87877 20150401; F16L 19/065 20130101;
F24D 19/0097 20130101; F16L 37/0925 20130101; F16L 3/1083 20130101;
F16L 37/2445 20130101; F16L 37/0927 20190801; F16L 37/252 20130101;
F16L 41/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/883 ;
251/152 |
International
Class: |
F16K 11/22 20060101
F16K011/22; F16L 19/00 20060101 F16L019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 19, 2010 |
KR |
20-2010-0001802 |
Claims
1. A manifold type pipe structure, comprising: at least one branch
pipe which is formed at a pipe passage having a flow hole through
which fluid flows; an input valve which is formed at an end portion
of the pipe passage; a joint coupler which forms an output valve at
the other end portion of it; and an output valve of the joint
coupler of other places which is joint-connected with a limited
rotation angle at the input valve of the joint coupler which is
provided as many as at least one.
2. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, wherein
said joint coupler includes a pipe coupler for achieving a joint
connection with the pipe, said pipe coupler forming at least one
branch pipe at the pipe passage having a flow hole through which
fluid flows, with a connection valve being installed at an end
portion of the branch pipe, with a connection valve being formed at
an end portion of the pipe passage for the purpose of engaging the
pipes, with an output valve being formed at the other end portion
of it.
3. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, further
comprising: a finishing coupler which is connected with the joint
coupler, with said finishing coupler forming at least one branch
pipe at a passage pipe having in its interior a flow hole through
which liquid flows, with a connection valve being installed at an
end portion of the branch pipe valve, with the input valve being
formed at an end portion of the pipe passage for thereby being
joint-connected with a limited rotation angle with the output valve
of the joint coupler or the pipe coupler, the other end portion of
it being closed.
4. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 2, wherein
said pipe coupler includes at least one branch pipe at a pipe
passage having a flow hole through which fluid flows, with a
connection valve being installed at an end portion of the branch
pipe, with a connection valve being formed at an end portion of the
pipe passage for engaging the pipes, the other end portion being
configured to seal the flow hole.
5. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 2, wherein
said pipe coupler forms at least one branch pipe at a pipe passage
having a flow hole through which fluid flows, a connection valve
being formed at an end portion of the branch pipe, with a
connection valve being formed at both sides of the pipe passage for
engaging the pipes.
6. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, wherein
said input valve forms a coupling means at regular intervals on an
outer surface of one side of both sides of the pipe passage, and
said coupling means forms an engaging protrusion in a curvature
direction of an outer surface of the pipe passage, and said
engaging protrusion is provided in multiple numbers and is spaced
apart at regular intervals for thereby forming an engaging space
between the engaging protrusions, and the engaging space formed
opposite to the rotation direction of the pipe passage is sealed,
and said output valve form an engaging means at regular intervals
on an inner surface of one side of both sides of the pipe passage,
and said engaging means forms a plurality of engaging protrusions
which are spaced apart in a curvature direction of the inner
surface of the pipe passage, and when the input valve and the
output valve are joint-connected, the coupling protrusion of the
input valve is inserted up to the sealed portion of the engaging
space, so the input valve and the output valve are coupled with a
limited rotation angle, and a locking protrusion is formed at an
inner surface of the opening of the pipe passage where the coupling
means is formed and at a backside of the engaging means for thereby
maintaining a joint state as the locking protrusions are engaged
when jointing the input valve and the output valve.
7. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 2, wherein
said connection valve comprises: a coupling part which is
configured to have a female thread on an inner surface to be
engaged with a male tread formed on an outer surface of the pipe
passage, and an engaging hole having a multi-stepped inner surface
is formed at the center of the inner side to communicate with the
flow hole, and at the center of the engaging hole is formed a first
slope surface having a shoulder, and at an end portion of the
engaging hole are continuously formed a plurality of engaging
protrusions, and when being engaged to the male thread of the pipe
passage, it is engaged with the fixing shoulder formed at a
backside of the male thread; and a pressurizing part which is
configured in such a way that a support shoulder is formed at an
outer surface of one side so as to be inserted into the engaging
hole, and the pressurizing piece having a pressurizing space
passing through the interior is partially cut away at regular
intervals for thereby inserting the pipe into the pressurizing
space, and then when the pipe is pulled in a reverse direction, the
pressurizing piece is inserted into the first slope surface and is
inwardly contracted for thereby pressurizing an outer surface of
the pipe, so the pipe passage and the pipe are jointed and
connected.
8. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 2, wherein
said connection valve comprises: a connection part engaged to
communicate with an inner surface of the branch pipe; an coupling
part which is coupled at an end portion of the connection part and
has an engaging hole having a multi-stepped surface at an inner
surface and forms a first slope surface at the engaging hole; and a
pressurizing part which has a support shoulder at an outer surface
of one side to be inserted into the engaging hole, and the
pressurizing piece having a pressurizing space passing through the
interior is partially cut away at regular intervals, and when the
pipes are inserted into the pressurizing space, it comes into the
interior from the engaging space, and the pressurizing piece
pressurizes an outer surface of the pipe passage, and the end
portion of the pressurizing piece is caught at the first slope
surface of the engaging part, so the pipe passage and the pipes are
jointed and connected.
9. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, further
comprising an indication part which is engaged to an outer surface
of the pipe passage for indicating a connection place of the branch
pipes, the indication part comprising a main passage of which a
lower side is open and which has a space in a longitudinal
direction; a sub passage which is formed depending on the number of
the branch pipes in a horizontal direction from the main passage;
and a clip which is partially cut away in a vertical and downward
direction at the center of the main passage for thereby being
elastically engaged to an outer surface of the pipe passage.
10. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, further
comprising a fixing part for installing the pipe passage on the
ground or the wall, said fixing part including a bracket having a
fixing hole on the ground for being fixed on the ground or the
wall; a lower fixture which is integrally formed with the bracket
and forms a fixing groove at both sides of the holder of which an
upper side is open; and an upper fixture of which a lower side is
open to be engaged from an upper side of an outer surface of the
space between a pair of the fixing shoulders of the outer surface
of the pipe passage, with the fixing protrusion formed at both
sides of a lower side of the being inserted into the fixing
groove.
11. A manifold type pipe structure according to claim 1, wherein
said joint coupler, said finishing coupler and said pipe coupler
are made from at least one of the groups comprising polyamide,
polyester, polycarbonate, polyterephthalic acid butylene and poly
oxide phenylene.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention elates to a manifold type pipe
structure, and in particular to a manifold type pipe structure
which makes it possible to easily couple branch pipes with a
limited rotation angle while ensuring airtight connections.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A hot water distribution pipe for a boiler is generally
configured in such a way that an inlet and outlet port is formed at
an end portion of a branch pipe body, and distribution ports are
formed at an outer surface of it, and the inlet and outlet port
communicates with a boiler body, and the distribution ports
communicate with heating pipes connected to an indoor compartment.
A threaded portion is formed at the inner surfaces and the outer
surfaces of the inlet and outlet port and the distribution ports,
respectively. A water transfer pipe or a water return pipe is
connected to the inlet and outlet port, and a heating pipe
communicates with the distribution ports.
[0003] The above mentioned hot water distribution pipe for a boiler
is configured in such a way that a nut is engaged after a sealing
vinyl or a thread is wound on the outer surfaces of the
distribution port or the inlet and outlet port. To the opposite
side of the nut is connected a water transfer pipe or a water
return pipe or a heating pipe. Heating water from the boiler body
is supplied to the distribution pipe body via the inlet and outlet
port. Heating water is inputted into the heating pipes connected to
each indoor compartment via the distribution ports.
[0004] However, the above mentioned conventional hot water
distribution pipe is configured in such a way that the threads are
formed on the outer surfaces of the inlet and outlet port and the
distribution ports which helps an airtight communication with the
water transfer pipe and the water return pipe and the heating pipe,
and a plurality of nuts are coupled after a sealing member is
engaged, so the structure is complicated, and a construction work
is hard, and the construction costs a lot.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a manifold type pipe structure which makes it possible to
couple distribution pipes in series at limited angles.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
manifold type pipe structure which can be concurrently adapted to a
double type method of coupling a pipe at both ends in a pipe
structure and a single type method coupling a pipe at one end of
both ends.
[0007] It is further another object of the present invention to
provide a manifold type pipe structure which makes it possible to
obtain an airtight connection even with a rotation at an acute
angle when connecting, in series, branch pipes at limited
angles.
[0008] To achieve the above objects, there is provided a manifold
type pipe structure, comprising at least one branch pipe which is
formed at a pipe passage having a flow hole through which fluid
flows; an input valve which is formed at an end portion of the pipe
passage; a joint coupler which forms an output valve at the other
end portion of it; and an output valve of the joint coupler of
other places which is joint-connected with a limited rotation angle
at the input valve of the joint coupler which is provided as many
as at least one.
[0009] According to the present invention, the joint coupler
includes a pipe coupler for achieving a joint connection with the
pipe, the pipe coupler forming at least one branch pipe at the pipe
passage having a flow hole through which fluid flows, with a
connection valve being installed at an end portion of the branch
pipe, with a connection valve being formed at an end portion of the
pipe passage for the purpose of engaging the pipes, with an output
valve being formed at the other end portion of it.
[0010] According to the present invention, there is further
provided a finishing coupler which is connected with the joint
coupler, with the finishing coupler forming at least one branch
pipe at a passage pipe having in its interior a flow hole through
which liquid flows, with a connection valve being installed at an
end portion of the branch pipe valve, with the input valve being
formed at an end portion of the pipe passage for thereby being
joint-connected with a limited rotation angle with the output valve
of the joint coupler or the pipe coupler, the other end portion of
it being closed.
[0011] According to the present invention, the pipe coupler
includes at least one branch pipe at a pipe passage having a flow
hole through which fluid flows, with a connection valve being
installed at an end portion of the branch pipe, with a connection
valve being formed at an end portion of the pipe passage for
engaging the pipes, the other end portion being configured to seal
the flow hole.
[0012] According to the present invention, the pipe coupler forms
at least one branch pipe at a pipe passage having a flow hole
through which fluid flows, a connection valve being formed at an
end portion of the branch pipe, with a connection valve being
formed at both sides of the pipe passage for engaging the
pipes.
[0013] According to the present invention, the finishing coupler
forms at least one branch pipe at a pipe passage having a flow hole
through which fluid flows, and a connection valve is formed at an
end portion of the branch pipe, and a connection valve
joint-connected with the pipe is formed at an end portion of the
pipe passage.
[0014] According to the present invention, the input valve forms a
coupling means at regular intervals on an outer surface of one side
of both sides of the pipe passage, and the coupling means forms an
engaging protrusion in a curvature direction of an outer surface of
the pipe passage, and the engaging protrusion is provided in
multiple numbers and is spaced apart at regular intervals for
thereby forming an engaging space between the engaging protrusions,
and the engaging space formed opposite to the rotation direction of
the pipe passage is sealed, and the output valve form an engaging
means at regular intervals on an inner surface of one side of both
sides of the pipe passage, and the engaging means forms a plurality
of engaging protrusions which are spaced apart in a curvature
direction of the inner surface of the pipe passage, and when the
input valve and the output valve are joint-connected, the coupling
protrusion of the input valve is inserted up to the sealed portion
of the engaging space, so the input valve and the output valve are
coupled with a limited rotation angle, and a locking protrusion is
formed at an inner surface of the opening of the pipe passage where
the coupling means is formed and at a backside of the engaging
means for thereby maintaining a joint state as the locking
protrusions are engaged when jointing the input valve and the
output valve.
[0015] According to the present invention, the connection valve
comprises a coupling part 170 which is configured to have a female
thread 151a on an inner surface to be engaged with a male tread 111
formed on an outer surface of the pipe passage, and an engaging
hole 151b having a multi-stepped inner surface is formed at the
center of the inner side to communicate with the flow hole 101, and
at the center of the engaging hole 151b is formed a first slope to
surface 151c having a shoulder, and at an end portion of the
engaging hole 151b are continuously formed a plurality of engaging
protrusions 151d, and when being engaged to the male thread 111 of
the pipe passage 110, it is engaged with the fixing shoulder 112
formed at a backside of the male thread 111; and a pressurizing
part 152 which is configured in such a way that a support shoulder
152a is formed at an outer surface of one side so as to be inserted
into the engaging hole 151b, and the pressurizing piece 152e having
a pressurizing space 152b passing through the interior is partially
cut away at regular intervals for thereby inserting the pipe into
the pressurizing space 152b, and then when the pipe 11 is pulled in
a reverse direction, the pressurizing piece 152e is inserted into
the first slope surface 151c and is inwardly contracted for thereby
pressurizing an outer surface of the pipe 11, so the pipe passage
110 and the pipe are jointed and connected.
[0016] According to the present invention, the connection valve
comprises a connection part 153 engaged to communicate with an
inner surface of the branch pipe 120; a coupling part 151 which is
coupled at an end portion of the connection part 153 and has an
engaging hole 151b having a multi-stepped surface at an inner
surface and forms a first slope surface 151c at the engaging hole
151b; and a pressurizing part 152 which has a support shoulder 181
at an outer surface of one side to be inserted into the engaging
hole 123, and the pressurizing piece 152e having a pressurizing
space 152b passing through the interior is partially cut away at
regular intervals, and when the pipes are inserted into the
pressurizing space 152b, it comes into the interior from the
engaging space 153b, and the pressurizing piece 152e pressurizes an
outer surface of the pipe passage, and the end portion of the
pressurizing piece 152e is caught at the first slope surface 151c
of the engaging part 151, so the pipe passage 110 and the pipes are
jointed and connected.
[0017] According to the present invention, there is further
provided an indication part which is engaged to an outer surface of
the pipe passage for indicating a connection place of the branch
pipes, the indication part comprising a main passage of which a
lower side is open and which has a space in a longitudinal
direction; a sub passage which is formed depending on the number of
the branch pipes in a horizontal direction from the main passage;
and a clip which is partially cut away in a vertical and downward
direction at the center of the main passage for thereby being
elastically engaged to an outer surface of the pipe passage.
[0018] According to the present invention, there is further
provided a fixing part for installing the pipe passage on the
ground or the wall, the fixing part including a bracket having a
fixing hole on the ground for being fixed on the ground or the
wall; a lower fixture which is integrally formed with the bracket
and forms a fixing groove at both sides of the holder of which an
upper side is open; and an upper fixture of which a lower side is
open to be engaged from an upper side of an outer surface of the
space between a pair of the fixing shoulders of the outer surface
of the pipe passage, with the fixing protrusion formed at both
sides of a lower side of the being inserted into the fixing
groove.
[0019] According to the present invention, the joint coupler, the
finishing coupler and the pipe coupler are made from at least one
of the groups comprising polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyterephthalic acid butylene and poly oxide phenylene.
Advantageous Effects
[0020] As described above, the manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention is directed to easily coupling
branch pipes in such a way that the branch pipes are easily coupled
with limited rotation angles, not adapting a conventional thread
coupling method for thereby preventing any interference from branch
pipes during a coupling.
[0021] In addition, the manifold type pipe structure according to
the present invention is directed to enhancing the compatibility of
pipes in such a way to concurrently adapt a double type method of
coupling a pipe at both ends in terms of pipes and a single type
method coupling a pipe at one end of both ends.
[0022] In addition, the manifold type pipe structure according to
the present invention is directed to enhancing the efficiency of
work with the aid of a faster coupling in such a way to couple
branch pipes in an airtight coupling method with only the rotations
in an acute angle range when coupling, in series, branch pipes with
limited rotation angles.
[0023] The manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention ensures good heat resistance performance, desired
strength and impact and abrasion resistance performances since it
is made from an engineering plastic as a principle material and
makes it possible save a manufacture cost since the manifold type
pipe structure is made in an extrusion molding method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a joint coupler of
a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe coupler of
a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a finishing
coupler of a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe coupler of
a manifold type pipe structure according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe coupler of
a manifold type pipe structure according to a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a partially disassembled perspective view
illustrating a joint coupler of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a view of a use state of a pipe coupler of a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a manifold type
pipe structure with one branch pipe in a manifold type pipe
structure according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a manifold
type pipe structure according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view illustrating a state
before an engagement of a connection valve connected to a pipe in a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustrating a state after
an engagement of a connection valve connected to a pipe in a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross sectional view illustrating a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view
illustrating a manifold type pipe structure according to the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating an
engaged state of a joint coupler of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating an engaged
state of a joint coupler of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an indication
part of a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing part of
a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention.
[0041] FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are perspective views illustrating a
manifold type pipe structure according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an engaged state
of a manifold type pipe structure according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 10: manifold type pipe structure 11: pipe 100a:
joint coupler 100b: pipe coupler 100c: finishing coupler 101: flow
hole 110: pipe passage 111: male thread 112: fixing shoulder 113:
fixing shoulder 113: joint fixing shoulder 120: distribution pipe
130: input valve 131: coupling part 132: engaging protrusion 133:
engaging space 140: output valve 141: engaging part 142: coupling
protrusion 143: locking protrusion 150: connection valve 151:
coupling member 151a: female thread 151b: engaging hole 151c: first
slope surface 151d: engaging protrusion 152: pressurizing part
152a: support shoulder 152b: pressurizing space 152e: pressurizing
piece 153: connection part 160: indication part 161: main passage
162: sub passage 163: clip 170: fixing part 171: lower fixture
171a: bracket 171b: fixing hole 171c: holder 171d: fixing groove
172: upper fixture 172a: fixing protrusion 173: joint groove 180:
ball valve
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0043] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0044] It is noted that the same elements or parts shown in the
drawing are given the same reference numerals, and in the following
descriptions, the descriptions on the known functions or
constructions will be omitted for simplification.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a joint coupler of
a manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe coupler of a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a finishing coupler of a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe coupler of a
manifold type pipe structure according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a pipe
coupler of a manifold type pipe structure according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partially
disassembled perspective view illustrating a joint coupler of a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view of a use state of a pipe coupler of a manifold
type pipe structure according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a
perspective view illustrating a manifold type pipe structure with
one branch pipe in a manifold type pipe structure according to the
present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrating a
manifold type pipe structure according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view illustrating a state before an
engagement of a connection valve connected to a pipe in a manifold
type pipe structure according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is
a cross sectional view illustrating a state after an engagement of
a connection valve connected to a pipe in a manifold type pipe
structure according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a vertical
cross sectional view illustrating a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged vertical
cross sectional view illustrating a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a disassembled
perspective view illustrating an engaged state of a joint coupler
of a manifold type pipe structure according to the present
invention. FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating an
engaged state of a joint coupler of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view
illustrating an indication part of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a perspective view
illustrating a fixing part of a manifold type pipe structure
according to the present invention.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, the manifold type pipe structure
10 according to the present invention is configured in such a way
that at least one branch pipe 120 is formed at a pipe passage 110
having a flow hole 101 through which liquid flows, and an input
valve 130 is formed at an end portion of the pipe passage 110, and
a joint coupler 100a forming an output valve 140 is disposed at the
other end of it, and the output valve 140 of the joint coupler 100a
of the other portion is jointed and connected at a limited rotation
angle at the input valve 130 of the joint coupler 100a which is
preferably by more than at least one.
[0047] The joint coupler 100a is configured to change the purpose
of its use by selectively installing or sealing a connection valve
150 at both sides of the joint coupler 100a depending on the
purpose of its use.
[0048] In other words, the manifold type pipe structure 10 might be
applied for multiple purposes depending on the purpose of its use,
but the occasion that it is preferably applied to the pipes of the
boiler in the present invention will be described.
[0049] When the pipes are divided from a boiler pipe into
independent spaces, respectively, the sub pipes are divided from
the main pipe connected with the boiler.
[0050] In the conventional art, a branch pipe part to which a
plurality of branch pipes 120 are welded is prepared for the
purpose of separating pipes from the main pipe, and threads are
formed at both sides of the pipe and the main pipe, and as they are
coupled with each other, the branch pipes are engaged.
[0051] At this time, the operation for the purpose of coupling to
the main pipe by rotating the branch pipes might be interfered with
surrounding objects, so it is hard to easily joint and couple the
pipes.
[0052] In the present invention, the joint coupler 100a of the
branch pipe structure 10 is used for the same purpose depending on
the number of the branch pipes 120 for thereby achieving selective
multiple couplings.
[0053] Here at least one branch pipe 120 might be formed at the
joint coupler 100a, and the number of it is selective, and
preferably three branch pipes 120 are used.
[0054] The present invention might be applied to the branch pipe
with universal purposes of uses in such a way to install the
connection valve 150 at both sides or at one side of the joint
coupler 100a or to seal the inner surface of it.
[0055] First, as shown in FIG. 2, the joint coupler 100a comprises
a pipe coupler 100b for the purpose of a joint connection with a
pipe, and the pipe coupler 100b is configured in such a way that at
least one branch pipe 120 is disposed at the pipe passage 110 with
the flow pipe 101 through which liquid flows, and the connection
valve 150 is installed at an end portion of the branch pipe 120,
and the connection valve 150 coupling the pipes is disposed at an
end portion of the pipe passage 110, and the output valve 140 is
disposed at the other portion of it.
[0056] The pipe coupler 100b makes it possible to have an inter
joint connection by installing a connection valve 150 at one side
of the pipe passage 110 to be connected with the pipe connected
with the boiler, and at the other side is installed an output valve
140 in order for the joint coupler 100a of the other place to be
jointed, so the branch pipes can be continuously jointed.
[0057] Second, as shown in FIG. 3, there is further provided a
finishing coupler 100c connected with the joint coupler 100a, and
the finishing coupler 100c has at least one branch pipe 120 at the
pipe passage 110 which has a flow hole 101 flowing fluid in the
interior of it, and a connection valve 150 is disposed at an end
portion of the branch pipe 120, and the input valve 130 is disposed
at an end portion of the pipe passage 110 for thereby achieving a
joint connection at a limited rotation angle with respect to the
output valve 140 of the joint coupler 100a or the pipe coupler
100b, and the other end of it is closed.
[0058] The finishing coupler 100c is jointed to the output valve
140 of the joint coupler 100a of the other place, and when the
joint coupler 100a is no more coupled, and when the installation of
the pipe connected with the boiler is not extended, the finishing
coupler 100c is used for the purpose of finish of the manifold type
pipe structure 10.
[0059] Third, as shown in FIG. 5, the pipe coupler 100b is further
configured in such a way that at least one branch pipe 120 is
formed at the pipe passage 110 having a flow hole 101 through which
fluid flows, and the connection valve 150 is installed at an end
portion of the branch pipe 120, and a connection valve 150 helping
engage the pipes is formed at both sides of the pipe passage
110.
[0060] The pipe coupler 100b helps further extend the pipes to the
spaces except for the places divided from the joint coupler 100a or
the pipe coupler 100b and the finishing coupler 100c in such a way
to install the connection valve 150 at both sides for thereby
coupling, at both sides, the pipe connected with the boiler.
[0061] Fourth, as shown in FIG. 4, the pipe coupler 100b is
configured in such a way that at least one branch pipe 120 is
formed at the pipe passage 110 having a flow hole 101 through which
fluid flows, and the connection valve 150 is installed at an end
portion of the branch pipe 120, and a connection valve 150 helping
couple the pipe is formed at an end portion of the pipe passage
110, and the other end is sealed.
[0062] The pipe coupler 100b is used when the places when the
branch pipe 120 is needed are less as the joint coupler 100a is not
needed. One side of the pipe coupler 100b is coupled with the pipe
jointed with the boiler, and the other end of it is sealed, so the
joint coupler 100a is no longer coupled. When the pipe connected
with the boiler is not extended, it is used for the purpose of the
last finishing work of the manifold type pipe structure 10.
[0063] The present invention might be applied to the manifold type
pipe structure 10 with various applications in such a way to
install or close the connection valve 150 at both sides or at an
end portion of the joint coupler 100a with the joint coupler 100a
of the manifold type pipe structure 10 being adapted as a basic
structure.
[0064] The input valve 130 and the output valve 140 applied from
the manifold type pipe structure 10 having various types are
configured as follows.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the input valve 130 forms a
coupling part 131 at regular intervals on the outer surface of one
end of both ends of the pipe passage 110, and the coupling part 131
forms an engaging protrusion 132 with a curvature of an outer
surface of the pipe passage 110, and the engaging protrusion 132 is
provided in multiple numbers and is disposed at regular intervals,
so the engaging space 133 is formed between the engaging
protrusions 132, and the engaging space 133 positioned opposite to
the rotation direction of the pipe passage 110 is sealed.
[0066] The output valve 140 forms an engaging part 141 at regular
intervals on an outer surface of one side of both sides of the pipe
passage 110, and the engaging part 141 forms a plurality of
coupling protrusions 142 at intervals with a curvature of an inner
surface of the pipe passage 110.
[0067] When the input valve 130 and the output valve 140 are
inter-jointed, the coupling protrusion 142 of the input valve 130
is inserted up to the sealed portion of the engaging space 133, so
the input valve 130 and the output valve 140 are connected with
each other with a limited rotation angle.
[0068] In particular, the locking protrusion 143 is formed at an
inner surface of the opening of the pipe passage 110 where the
coupling part 131 is formed and at the backside of the engaging
part 141, so the locking protrusion 143 is inter-engaged when
connecting the input valve 130 and the output valve 140 for thereby
maintaining a connected state.
[0069] Finally, the input valve 130 and the output valve 140 are
inter-connected, and are rotated with a limited rotation angle of
below 90.degree., so the coupling protrusion 142 of the output
valve 140 is inserted into the engaging space 133 of the input
valve 130 for thereby obtaining an inter-connection engagement.
[0070] The engaging space 133 formed by means of the engaging
protrusion 132 of the input valve 130 and the engaging protrusion
142 of the output valve 140 are formed in spiral shapes with
certain curvatures, so they are lead-movable by means of the
rotation after they are inter-connected.
[0071] With the above-mentioned construction, an oil ring is
engaged to an outer surface of the input valve 130 for the purpose
of ensuring sealing performance by means of the engagement of the
input valve 130 and the output valve 140, so the oil ring can be
pressurized on an end portion of the inner surface of the output
valve 140.
[0072] In addition, the locking protrusions 143 are inter-engaged
by means of the lead movement as the input valve 130 and the output
valve 140 rotate with limited angles for thereby preventing the
loosening of the input valve 130 and the output valve 140.
[0073] Each locking part is sloped in one direction and is
inter-engaged, so the input valve 130 and the output valve 140 no
longer separate, and it might be formed in an arc shape or a
triangle shape so that it can separate only when a certain level
force is applied from a friction force as they are engaged.
[0074] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the connection valve 150 is an
element for the purpose of fixing after a hollow circular pipe is
engaged.
[0075] The connection valve 150 adapted to the pipe coupler 100b is
formed of a coupling part 151 and a pressurizing part 152.
[0076] The coupling part 151 has a female thread 151a on an inner
surface for an engagement with the male thread 111 formed on an
outer surface of the pipe passage 110, and as an engaging hole 151b
having a multi-stepped inner surface at the inner center for the
purpose of communicating with the flow hole 101, and at the center
of the engaging hole 151b is formed a first slope surface 151c
having a shoulder, and from an end portion of the engaging hole
151b is continuously protruded a plurality of engaging protrusions
151d. When it is engaged to the male thread 111 of the pipe passage
110, it is engaged with the fixing shoulder 112 formed at the
backside of the male thread 111.
[0077] The pressurizing part 152 has a support shoulder 152a at an
outer surface of one side for the purpose of being inserted into
the engaging hole 151b, and the pressurizing piece 152e having a
pressurizing space 152b passing through the interior is partially
cut away at regular intervals, and the pipe is inserted into the
pressurizing space 152b, and when the pipe is pulled in a reverse
direction, the pressurizing piece 152e is inwardly inserted into
the first slope surface 151c and is inwardly contracted and
pressurizes the outer surface of the pipe 11 for thereby obtaining
a connection between the pipe passage 110 and the pipe.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the connection valve 150 is installed
at the branch pipe 120 and serves to engage the manifold type pipe
structure.
[0079] The connection valve 150 adapted to the branch pipe 120 is
formed of a connection part 153, a coupling part 151 and a
pressurizing part 152.
[0080] The connection part 153 is coupled to communicate with an
inner surface of the branch pipe 120.
[0081] The coupling part 151 is engaged to an end portion of the
connection part 153, and at its inner surface is formed an engaging
hole 151b having a multi-stepped inner surface, and at the engaging
hole 151b is formed a first slope surface 151c.
[0082] The pressurizing part 152 has a support shoulder 152a formed
at an outer surface of one side of it for the purpose of being
inserted into the engaging hole 151b, and the pressurizing piece
152e having a pressuring space 152b passing through the interior is
partially cut away at regular intervals, and when the pipe is
inserted into the pressurizing space 152b, it is inserted into the
interior between the engaging holes 151b, and the pressurizing
piece 152e pressurizes the outer surface of the pipe passage 110,
and the end portion of the pressurizing piece 152e is caught at the
first slope surface 151c of the engaging part 151, so the pipe
passage 110 and the pipe 11 are jointed and connected.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 16, there is further provided an indication
part 160 which is engaged to an outer surface of the pipe passage
110 for the purpose of indicating an installed place of the branch
pipe 120.
[0084] The indication part 160 comprises a main passage 161 of
which a lower side is open and which has a space in a longitudinal
direction, a sub passage 162 which is formed depending on the
number of the branch pipes 120 in a horizontal direction from the
main passage, and a clip 163 which is partially cut away in a
vertical and downward direction at the center of the main passage
for thereby being elastically engaged to the outer surface of the
pipe passage 110.
[0085] The clip 163 might have varying lengths when the number of
the sub passages 162 is determined depending on the number of the
branch pipes 120.
[0086] The clip 163 is elastically engaged and fixed at an outer
surface of the manifold type pipe structure 10 to which a joint
coupler 100a, a pipe coupler 100b and a finishing coupler 100c are
selectively applied.
[0087] On the upper surface of the indication part 160, the kinds
of the pipes and the names of the connected pipes of the branch
pipes 120 are written, so the connection destinations of the pipes
connected to the branch pipe 120 by means of the connection valve
150 can be easily recognized, and the on/off of the distribution
states of a corresponding branch pipe 120 can be controlled by
means of the ball valve 180.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 17, the manifold type pipe structure 10 of
the present invention is closely fixed on the ground or the wall
with the aid of the fixing part 170 for thereby maintaining an
airtight state and installation of the jointed manifold type pipe
structure even an external impact is applied to it.
[0089] The fixing part 170 includes a lower fixture 171 formed of a
bracket 171a having a fixing hole 171b fixed on the ground or the
wall and a fixing groove 171d which is integrally formed with the
bracket 171a and is formed at both sides of the holder 171c the
upper side of which is open, and a upper fixture 172 the lower side
of which is open so that it can be engaged from the upper side of
the outer surface of the space between a pair of the fixing
shoulders 113 formed on the outer surface of the pipe passage 110
and is configured in order for the fixing protrusion 172a formed at
both sides of the lower side to be inserted into the fixing groove
171d.
[0090] The thusly constructed fixing part 170 is fixed on the
ground or the wall with an anchor bolt by way of the fixing hole
171b formed at the bracket 171a and is integrally formed with the
bracket 171a, so that the semi-grooved holder 171c the upper side
of which is open is positioned between the fixing shoulders 113 of
the manifold type pipe structure 10.
[0091] Afterward, the upper fixture 172 is engaged from the upper
side of the outer surface of the manifold type pipe structure 10,
and the opened lower side of the upper fixing part 170 is engaged
to match with the holder 171c, and the fixing protrusion 172a
formed at the upper fixture 172 is elastically inserted into the
fixing groove 171d of the lower fixture 171 for thereby maintaining
an inter-fixed state.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 19, the manifold type
pipe structure according to another embodiment of the present
invention will be described below.
[0093] The locking protrusions 143 formed at the joint coupler
100a, the pipe coupler 100b and the finishing coupler 100c are
formed on the whole outer surfaces of the coupling part 131, and
the inner surface of the backside of the coupling part 141 might be
formed at regular intervals for thereby achieving an to airtight
connection state.
[0094] The locking protrusion 143 might be formed in one shape
among a triangle shape, a quadrangle shape and a semi-groove shape,
and the shape of it is not limited only when it has the engaging
structure.
[0095] A joint fixing shoulder 113a is further formed at an upper
aide of a pair of the fixing shoulders 113 forming the outer
surface of the pipe passage 110, so the joint fixing shoulder 113a
can be inserted into the joint groove 173 formed at an inner
surface of the upper fixture 171 when the upper fixture 171 and the
lower fixture 172 are engaged between a pair of the fixing
shoulders 113.
[0096] With the above mentioned structure, the joint connections of
the manifold type pipe structure 10 connected in multiple numbers
can be more supported in such a way to prevent the distortions of
the fixing part 170 and the manifold type pipe structure 10.
[0097] Finally, the joint coupler 153, the finishing coupler 153
and the pipe coupler 100b are made from an engineering plastic
material which has good thermal, impact and abrasion resistances.
The material of it is not limited, and as long as the material has
a good thermal resistance, it can be used.
[0098] Being different from the common plastic, the engineering
plastic is strong against impact, abrasion, heat, cold, chemicals
and fatigue in addition to good strength and elasticity and has
good electric conductions.
[0099] The above mentioned engineering plastic is selected from at
least one of the groups comprising polyamide, polyester,
polycarbonate, polyterephthalic acid butylene and poly oxide
phenylene.
[0100] The thusly adapted joint coupler 153, the finishing coupler
153 and the pipe coupler 100b have good strength, elasticity,
hardness, elongation, density and formality.
* * * * *